I'm not quite sure which is more frightening in London: walking, driving, or cycling. And though I walk every day, I'm still unsure of which direction the cars are coming. What's worse is that I'm now unsure of which direction cars are coming when I'm at home, but that's besides the point. Here, drivers, walkers, and bikers are crazy and do not stop for anyone, which can be intimidating.

That's why I didn't give riding a bike a second thought when Ross said he wanted to. If I don't die walking, I'm most certain biking will be a one way ticket to heaven. In any case, I finally caved knowing that our time here is limited; I feel that everyone who lives here should at least say they've biked through the beautiful Hyde Park.

So that's what we did on a perfectly brisk but warm fall day: cycled through Hyde Park. And you know what? I lived to tell you, it was such a fun experience {though if we actually biked on the street with the cars, it would've been a different story}.

Renting the "Boris bikes", as they're dubbed here {former mayor, Boris Johnson, who ironically looks like Trump, introduced them to London}, is exactly like renting the Divvy bikes in Chicago. You can rent them for 24 hours but must check in every half hour {which is a pain if you don't know where nearby check-in racks are located}. And for only £2, it's a really cheap mode of transportation {much cheaper than the tube!} if you are willing to risk your life on the busy London roads.

Me? I'm happy to bike through the parks every now + then to enjoy the scenery. Otherwise, I'll stick to walking to ensure I come back home in one piece ;)

It's a little tricky navigating the "Cycle Super Highway", even in the parks. This is because as someone who is used to driving on the right side of the road, biking on the left turns your world upside down {I already have problems determining right from left to begin with...}.

We biked past a riding lesson...

some vibrant fall-colored trees...

...and a concert in the park

And the infamous "Speaker's Corner", where anyone can get on their soapbox and talk about anything to those willing to listen...

And we ended our quick journey from one end of the park to the other end in just a half hour!

Well, summer seems to have officially graced us with her presence in England. And it's only mid-July {surely, she must have been waiting for the British schools to let out at the end of July...}. And what does summer exactly mean to the British?

Luckily, Ross and I have plenty of time to find out this year. We ventured over to a new garden {I'm a sucker for anything with the word "garden" in its title}, and truly saw what summer was about: shirts off, suits on, picnic blankets rolled out on the grass, people sunning lazily for hours in the parks + gardens {I guess when you don't have a beach or pool, grass is the next best thing!}, prosecco and rosè flowing like water, and "nibbles" from the local grocery store shared among friends.

We've seen this in numerous parks over the last few 80-degree days {I didn't know London had it in her to get this hot!}, but the one pictured below is of Holland Park + Kyoto Garden.

The best part of Holland Park were the rows + rows of flowers {I'm also a sucker for any flower ;)}.

Not pictured: the benches lining this garden with people just soaking in the sunshine.

Unlike some of the other parks {Battersea, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath...}, Holland Park has a woodsy path that offers respite from the sun.

And when Brits need to cool off and trade in the greenery for some blue water to beat the heat? They head off to exotic places or take an hour-plus train ride to the seaside, which is where you can find us the next of couple days! We are jetting off {more like, training off?} to the English beach town, Brighton.

Truth be told I was a little bummed I missed some supposedly hot days in London this summer while I was in Chicago.

Another truth: I have complained relentlessly about the rain and fall-like {aka autumn to the Brits, "fall" does not have a place in their proper vocabulary} weather since we've returned. And finally, the last truth: after experiencing an American-worthy, hot summer day this past weekend, I will NEVER complain about the mild weather here again. In fact, I will NEVER wish for a summer day here ever. Why? Simply put, England is not equipped for 80-90 degree days. There is no air conditioning anywhere. So on Saturday, I was uncomfortable, sticky, and sweaty all day. All. Day. Long. Without anywhere to go for relief. Buses, trains, stores, our apartment, no ac. Anywhere. Just ask Ross how lovely I was all day. And do you want to know the strangest part to me? Many, many Europeans were dressed in sweaters, long pants, and tights {some women even wearing tights UNDER their pants}. Ross will tell you how infuriated I am that Europeans don't sweat or even appear to be hot. As a girl with a major sweating problem, I just don't understand. In any case, we spent the hot, summer day, as any Brit would: outside, complaining about the heat. Seriously. The only respite we got from the heat was on Primrose Hill where there was a cool breeze and great views of the city. Have a see for yourself {sorry in advance for the upper lip sweat you may see}....

...yeah, a-boat those paddle boats. It was on our London "must/try/see/do" list and we finally had the opportunity to paddle in Hyde Park at the Serpentine.

First, let me describe how we began our day. We started with a 5-mile run {at Ross's urging, I am not a fan of long runs anymore!}. Then, we walked about 2 miles {give or take} to the Serpentine. And, after our legs were warmed up, we decided to coast along the Serpentine, relaxing in the warm{ish} summer sun.

Unfortunately, we were wrong about the relaxing part. We rented the boat for 30 minutes and sadly, lasted 15 minutes. Those boats should come with a warning sign: beware, intense cardio workout ahead with picturesque views of Hyde Park. I envisioned a romantic, movie-star-glamorous experience and instead I was sparkling and out of breath, with an achy back and sore legs.

So, while it may not have been as easy as I originally anticipated, I will say that I'm glad I tried it once. It made the ice cream and 2 hour nap in the park after all the physical activity worth it ;).

Londoners {meaning me} are wondering when summer will make her debut. All the signs of summer are here: construction, loads of tourists mindlessly wandering around, and many locals running , walking, or enjoy a nice cuppa outside. However, Mother Nature is teasing us with the warm sunshine, but then bringing on chilly rain the next day. I am just waiting for the day when I don't have to wear a coat or long sleeves! And if summer never comes? Oh well, I'll be soaking in the Chicago sunshine in two, short weeks ;).

In any case, it seems that the most common activity to take part in during summertime in London is sitting at the park. And I'm sure you've all realized now my obsessions with the beautiful parks. So while I wait for summer to officially come into my life, I am scoping out the best parks to visit so I am ready when she is here.

Meet Hampstead Heath Park. Although 40-50 minutes away from me, this park is a fresh breath of air from the bustling city life. It looks and feels like The Sound of Music with its countryside charm!

Some may have noticed that I took a short break from blogging last week. And I'll explain why briefly: I'm just feeling a bit down about being here. {Pardon my stream-of-consciousness-run-on-sentence} I know I go home again in exactly TWO WEEKS from today and I know I am "living a dream" according to some people, but I really cannot shake off the homesickness and I can't help but question my purpose in being in London and I cannot help but feel disconnected with everyone and everything that matters because I'm. So. Darn. Far. Away {wah, wah, right?}. So I just needed a mental break to recharge instead of venting every day last week on the blog {trust me, it wouldn't have been pretty}, especially after vowing to try to be positive about my life here {I really am trying, I swear!}.

Anyway, this weekend was the best kind of weekend to remedy my homesickness, because we watched The World Triathlon Series. Our goal on Saturday was to go paddle boating in the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Upon arriving, we realized that was not going to happen, as this event was taking place in the park. So we changed our plans and ended up staying for a of couple hours to watch these amazing athletes. And we ended up really enjoying the event!

Amazing doesn't even begin to describe these para-athletes we watched, who quickly silenced the whining and complaining in my head. Their grit, perseverance, and dedication to overcome their challenges are truly phenomenal to see. We saw athletes competing who didn't have a limb or their eyesight, and they finished the triathlon! I mean, these are trulytruly exceptional people.

Swimmers getting ready for the corporate relay.

If you look closely, you can see the swimmers going....

The winner of the corporate relay!

Just a pretty picture from the park :).

So I need to keep reminding myself that my current challenge is temporary. I need to keep in mind that I don't have a difficult life, despite what I think and feel. And I need to remember that I am fortunate to have this opportunity abroad to grow and learn.

We are officially in the double-digit countdown to the wedding. 80 days to be exact. And you want to know a secret? I'm not terrified of anything that has to do with the wedding or marriage, except 2 minor details: I won't be able to fit into my dress and I'll trip down the aisle {oh and that everyone will be staring, which I don't think there is a way for me to escape that}.

I really can't control any of my fears except for fitting into my dress {and I guess I can practice walking...}. So, when some friends asked us to run in an 8k {about 5 miles} as part of the Wisconsin Alumni club, Ross and I jumped at the chance to engage in some physical activity. Hopefully some long runs like this will help me to squeeze into my dress ;).

The run was held in Regent's Park. Which if you remember from this post in January, I whined about it being too cold and bare. During this run on Sunday, the park looked completely different than my original post. It was lush and filled with beautiful trees, flowers, and people enjoying the glorious weather. Again, as I mentioned in my post about Battersea Park, I'm still completely blown away by these large parks {many of them with zoos!} in the middle of the city.

The run was fun and encouraged us to get our exercise on during a usually lazy Sunday afternoon. In fact, we got more than what we bargained for by getting lost on the run and running farther than an 8k {honestly, who gets lost during an organized race?}. We got to hang out with some friends who are Badgers {go Ohio State! ;)}. And we had the opportunity to explore a new{ish} park. Cheers to that!

Yesterday, I explained the need to have a better answer about my feelings toward life in London. I've realized that I need to be a little more positive in my responses and focus on what I like about this bustling city. So, today, I want to talk about one other thing I like about my new, London life: being active in its parks.

It amazes me how large green spaces that are well kept are located in the middle of London. And they sure do love their outdoor spaces, and rightfully so. In the springtime {and summertime, I would imagine}, they are beautiful--lush with greenery, bright florals, and openness to sit, picnic, play, sun, read, or sport {as they call exercise}.

One park that we've recently discovered and one that I adore is Battersea Park, located in the borough of Wandsworth just south of the river. Compared to Kensington Gardens, Battersea Park seems slightly smaller and has more trees and flowers to admire and, the best part: a zoo!

Here are photos from our 4-mile run last night. We have a 5-mile run with some friends on Saturday in Regent's Park that I'm slightly worried about, so we're doing some last minute training this week ;).

The Prince Albert bridge may be one of my favorite bridges in London. I'm hoping to take a picture one day of his sparkle at night!

Next to the beautiful Battersea Park is a busy street and residential homes.

Funny story and honest to goodness truth: I have ESP! When I was in Cleveland this past weekend for my second bridal shower that my lovely soon-to-be mother-in-law and pretty little MOH threw me, I told people on FRIDAY that Princess Kate gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Charlotte. Do you know what's wrong with that? She was born on Saturday morning. So either Kate and I have are in sync with each other or I am just a lucky guesser. I'd like to think that it's because Kate and I have this secret connection.

Anyway, the reason why I am telling you this, is because I think it is only appropriate, after about a week of the Princess-Heard-around-the-world's birth, I showcase Kensington Palace, where this precious royal family live. Unfortunately, I could not go into William and Kate's quarters {note to self: learn how to ﻿sneak in ;)}, but I was able to see other areas of the palace.

In the front room, they displayed photos of all the royals who lived in the palace. Isn't Queen Elizabeth's sister a beauty?

They just look so....perfect.

Did you know Princess Di {who is stu-nning!} lived here even after the infamous divorce?

They also had a guest book, which of course, I had to sign {at the very bottom} and politely beg for William and Kate to attend our wedding. Cross your fingers they show up in Chicago on August 8 ;)!

Then we were off to see the royal wardrobe!

From there, we went to see the Queen's quarters, which I was a little disappointed by, as it was rather, dull, boring, and isolated.

On the other hand, the King's quarters is ornate and grand. Why does the King get all the fun decorations?!

The Kensington Palace tour is a quick hour look around. I am justDYING to see where William and Kate reside. I would love to know if their home is updated or if it's decorated much like the older part of the palace. I would also love to see Georgie Porgy and Charlotte's rooms. One day, when Kate and I are bffs...one day, soon....!

An American girl can only dream of meeting the royal family, especially Kate, William, and little Georgie Porgie. In order to make my dream a reality, I visited Buckingham Palace {along with every other tourist trying to catch a glimpse}. All I can say is, I felt right at home here!

Green Park: What.a.stunner.

My new bff...he just doesn't know it yet!

Home sweet home. After we visited my palace, we made the trek to Harrods {picture below}, where I definitely did NOT feel like a royal. As a tourist, it's worth a short {very short} visit, but I must admit, I don't think I will go back there {despite my shopping obsession}.

And while I am so enamored by all things royal {and many other Americans are, too}, the English don't seem to take a liking to them. To me, that just seems like rubbish ;).

Happy Valentine's Day! Our day started out with a homemade breakfast of bacon roses and flourless, banana pancakes {courtesy of my fave London blogger}. It was a delicious meal, and I was so happy to use our Chicago + London mugs for the very first time {thank you to our dear friends, Adam + Niki!}.

Those blueberry, flourless pancakes were to.die.for. I didn't even notice it was only made out of bananas {can you believe that?!}!

Seriously. How cute are these mugs? We have some really amazing people in our lives :).

And thanks to Pinterest, I was able to satisfy my bacon-loving carnivore with bacon roses. Yes, I said it. BACON ROSES. So easy to make!

One of the best parts of our new neighborhood is that Ross and I are more active. So after our meal, we decided to go for a Valentine's Day run through Kensington Gardens + Hyde Park {thankfully, since we would need that zen and peacefulness when dealing with the phone people later in the afternoon...}. I've been in just one part of the gardens, but it is more beautiful and amazingly large than I ever imagined...

Ross on a cute, little street leading up to the gardens.

When was the last time you saw all that green?

Of course, I had to go knocking on the Kensington Palace doors to see if Prince William and Kate received our wedding save the date {#WillandKateSaveOurDate}. I really hope they can make it. And no. I'm not kidding, I seriously sent them a save the date {along with Justin Timberlake, Luke Bryan, Brie + Nikki Bella, and Ian Somerhalder... call me crazy, but if one of them shows up, who will be the one laughing?}.

Our day ended with us trying out another restaurant for our ABC Meal challenge {more about that in another post!}. It's moments like this {minus the stint at the phone company...how hard is it to get a working phone in London?!} that make my tantrums, sadness, and difficult transition during the week worth it. The only thing that could have made this weekend slightly better was if I could have cloned myself, flown my twin to Cleveland, and spent time with my Flyer fam {University of Dayton} at our annual girls' weekend.

If you know me, you know how much I loathe cold weather. I wear my puffer coat while teaching {sometimes even gloves!}, I crank the heat full blast in the car until I'm sweating, and snow + ice makes me extra cranky. So when I moved here, I figured that because London is known for its mild weather, it wouldn't be too cold. In fact, I'd go so far to say that I thought it would feel like spring in January {wishful thinking}.

The rainy, cold weather is bone-chilling, and I truly felt just how cold it could get here while walking through Regents Park today. Don't get me wrong, it's a different kind of chill than Chiberia, but nonetheless it's cold and damp. I'm not quite sure which is worse, but I am counting down the days until the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming.

My camera doesn't do this park any justice {I'm trying out a digital rather than my lousy iPhone camera}. How gorg will this park be in the spring?

I took a stroll through one of London's most famous parks this morning before I attended the Kensington Chelsea Women's Club general meeting {I have to make friends somehow, right?}. Because I was so nervous about going to this meeting without knowing a soul, I needed to clear my head. I decided a leisurely walk through the beautiful park would be just what I needed. The park was absolutely amazing and makes me look forward to spring here, because I'm sure all the greenery looks even more spectacular.

The monument pictured above is the Albert Memorial. Do you know what park I visited today? I plan to go back frequently for runs, walks, and picnics :).

While wandering around, I came across this little memorial and had to stop to admire it because of its bright colors, river-front location in Victoria Tower Gardens {as a side note, everything seems to be a garden here...}, and peacefulness.

From the little that I know {meaning, the sign told me}, the memorial was built following the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act.

This just further proves how much I have to learn about England and its rich history. Looks like I'll be visiting a lot of museums in the next coming weeks... stay tuned, kiddos!

Before moving, Ross and I had a bucketlist of activities, places to see, and restaurants to try before leaving Chicago. One item on the list was ice skating at The Bean or at Maggie Daley Park. However, the lines were always super long. Well, we finally got to cross off our bucketlist item.... IN LONDON! Our good friends gave us these ice skating tickets as a going away gift, and we definitely enjoyed the thoughtful present.

The rink is set in the courtyard of a Tudor palace built in 1547 for the Duke of Somerset. In 1175, the palace was demolished, and what was built is the building we saw tonight. Does anyone know what this fairytale house is called? Ross and I definitely need to come back to learn more about this place, which now holds numerous art exhibits year round!